Stella Maris Church to celebrate annual feast on Aug 15

Stella Maris Church to celebrate annual feast on Aug 15

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Aug 12, 2011 : The Stella Maris Church of Kalmadi in Udupi will celebrate the annual feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni on Aug 15 Monday, said Rev. Fr. Joseph D’Souza, the parish priest, at a press meet.

 

 

 

 

 

The church, which is dedicated to Mother Mary, was constructed in 1972 as a small chapel by the late Lt. Commander Charles D’Souza. Later in 1999, Bishop Basil D’Souza established it as a church.

In 1988, Rev. Fr. Dennis Castelino of Moodubelle installed a miracle statue of Our Lady of Vailankanni in the church; and in 2010, a shrine was constructed in the church premises, which was inaugurated by Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the bishop of Mangalore Diocese. Ever since, the place has become a pilgrim centre for people of all faiths and communities.

The annual feast celebrations have already commenced and the flag has already been hoisted. On Aug 13, the hore kanike will be brought from Adi Udupi Junction in a procession to the church. On Aug 15, mass and prayers will be conducted in the church. The bishop of Mangalore will participate in the celebrations.

Luis Lobo, the vice president of the parish pastoral council; Prescilla Alva, the secretary of the parish pastoral council; and Victor D’Mello, the treasurer, were also present.